Free agency — or more precisely LeBron James — can't come fast enough for the Los Angeles Lakers, a team imploding both on the court and behind the scenes.

Of course, the obvious question is why would LeBron gamble on the last few years of his brilliant career with a rebuilding club that is not only in the same conference as the mighty Golden State Warriors but the same division well? LeBron is always one step ahead of everyone else so he must realize that a move to Los Angeles is too risky even if Paul George comes along. That would be great news for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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Magic Johnson's team sits in last place in the Western Conference having lost nine straight games following Charlotte' 108-94 win at Staples Center on Friday. The home fans were booing the purple and gold in the fourth quarter.

Los Angeles sits in last place in the Western Conference having lost nine straight games. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Or as rookie Kyle Kuzma said afterwards "(we) are playing like garbage." This comes just a few days after Kuzma said the Lakers "flat-out quit" following a 37-point home loss to Oklahoma City.

The Lakers held the obligatory team meeting on Dec. 28th — two days before LeBron turned 33 — which didn't solve much. According to one league source, one topic discussed is that some Lakers have been frustrated by the play of Julius Randle, who has been the subject of trade reports for nearly a year now. And yet, in the Lakers' very next game following the team meeting Randle was promoted into the starting lineup.

Something's not right. Why would Luke Walton, whose job security has suddenly become an issue, reward a player whose work habits are not exactly admired by Randle's teammates? And don't say tanking, because the Lakers' 2018 first-round pick belongs to either Philadelphia or Boston depending on where Los Angeles lands in the Draft Lottery.

The most logical answer is that management, with an eye on the Feb. 8 trade deadline, suggested/insisted Walton start Randle. Makes sense for everyone except Walton, who must have lost some support in the locker room with that move. It puts the head coach in an unfair position and judging by the results that aforementioned scenario where management gets involved seems very plausible.

LeBron james is always one step ahead of everyone else so he must realize that a move to Los Angeles is too risky even if Paul George comes along. (Willie J. Allen Jr./AP)

Walton recently received a strong endorsement from majority owner Jeanie Buss, who on New Year's Eve tweeted support for Walton with the hashtag "InLukeWeTrust."

But you know how it works in the NBA; a vote of confidence can sometimes be as worthless as team meetings.

TIRED OR FRUSTRATED

Kristaps Porzingis got knocked around for admitting being "tired" following back-to-back losses to San Antonio and Washington but Knicks management deserves some criticism as well for failing to surround their franchise player with better talent.

On Sunday, the Knicks are in Dallas and Porzingis will go head-to-head with Dirk Nowitzki, the player he is often compared to. Nowitzki, like Porzingis, was 22 years old in his third NBA season but unlike Porzingis the big German had Steve Nash, a future two-time MVP, as his point guard.

Nowitzki had his breakout season in Year 3, averaging 21.8 points, 9.2 rebounds and playing an average of 38.1 minutes while starting all 82 games. The Mavs also advanced to the second round of the NBA Playoffs that year. Porzingis, who has already missed six of the Knicks' first 39 games, is averaging 23.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and playing 32.5 minutes. He also doesn't have a player of Nash's caliber setting him up.

Kristaps Porzingis. (Aaron Gash/AP)

Kevin Durant was 21 in his third season and also had a breakout year. In 82 starts, Durant averaged 30.1 points, 7.6 rebounds over 39.5 minutes. Russell Westbrook, a future MVP, was Durant's point guard in Oklahoma City.

And by Carmelo Anthony's third season Porzingis' former teammate also blossomed. The 21-year-old Anthony started 80 games and averaged 26.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and played an average of 36.8 minutes. He didn't have a future MVP at point guard but Anthony did have the more-than-capable 29-year-old Andre Miller running the offense.

In a guard-driven league, the Knicks have to do better. That's not a knock on Jarrett Jack, who has played well but he's 34 and coming off a major knee injury. He's a quality back-up at this stage. And rookie Frank Ntilikina is only 19. Maybe what Porzingis really meant to say is "I'm frustrated." And deservedly so.

LET’S BE FRANK

If Giannis Antetokounmpo finishes with the most All-Star Game votes he becomes a team captain and under the league's new format the Greek Freak will select first in the inaugural All-Star Game Draft.

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This is where things could get interesting.

"So, first of all, if my teammates aren't available — I'm going with my teammates — I'd gotta go with LeBron James," Antetokounmpo said. "The best player in the world. We can have a good relationship in free agency — you never know, he might come play here."

If Giannis Antetokounmpo finishes with the most All-Star Game votes he becomes a team captain and will select first in the inaugural All-Star Game Draft. (Jeff Hanisch/USA Today Sports)

The format is a great idea and could create plenty of interesting storylines in a league that thrives on drama. Good drama.

That's why the Greek Freak needs to select Kyrie Irving first overall. You see where I'm going with this.

Derrick Rose — remember him — says he is close returning to the Cavs' active roster. Rose hasn't played since Nov. 7th and quite frankly the Cavaliers don't need him now that Isaiah Thomas has returned. Rose would be better off negotiating a buyout and signing with either the Clippers or Timberwolves.

Somehow, it's been 33 years since St. John's and Georgetown played each other four times over four months including a Final Four matchup won by the Hoyas. On Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, the stars of those teams, Chris Mullin and Patrick Ewing, will meet as head coaches for the first time. Pretty cool.